In fall 2012, SMU students are attending the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, and the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of a political communication studies program in Meadows School of the Arts. They are attending with Professor Rita Kirk, director of the Maguire Center for Ethics & Public Responsibility, and Dan Schill, assistant professor of communication studies, who are conducting “Dial Test” research for CNN.

Texas pride at the convention

An update from Anthony at the Republican National Convention in Tampa:

The Texas delegates showed up to the first full day of the RNC representing the Lone Star State in full fashion. With the help of generous donors, every member of the Texas delegation is decked out in a Texas flag shirt with a cowboy hat. Their hats are covered in decorative pins that they have been collecting and trading since the start of the convention. Some have even been collecting these pins for several conventions! When it comes to making a statement and a great entrance, the Texas delegates do not disappoint.

Although Texas clearly won the contest for best dressed, other state delegates coordinated parts of their outfits as well. For example, Hawaii gave all of their delegates elaborate leis to wear to the convention floor. Also, almost every state has a decorative pin of the state that delegates attach to their suits/shirts. This shows that delegates are obviously proud to be at the convention representing their respective states. It’s exciting to see all the different ways they express that pride for their states through fashion choices.